Dominican Sisters Open Mic
Ep. 13: Aliens? Chemistry? Science and the Search for Truth
Host: Sr. Miriam, O.P.
Guest: Sr. Stephen Patrick, O.P., Ph.D.
Release Date: April 22, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode explores the relationship between science and faith, featuring Sr. Stephen Patrick, O.P., Ph.D., science educator and Dominican Sister. Sr. Stephen shares her faith journey from a nominal Catholic upbringing to religious life and discusses her academic path in the sciences. The conversation reveals how rigorous scientific inquiry and profound faith not only coexist but deepen one another, touching on everything from personal vocation stories to awe-inspiring discoveries in astronomy and biology—including reflections on the human body, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the holiness found in teaching and daily living.
Guest Introduction & Background
- Sister Stephen Patrick is from Alabama, entered the convent in 2005, certified to teach chemistry and biology, and completed a Ph.D. in cell microbial biology at Catholic University of America.
- Currently teaching astronomy, meteorology, anatomy & physiology, and chemistry at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
“The Lord keeps me on my toes.” — Sr. Stephen
Faith Journey & Vocation Story
Initial Faith Experience
- Raised Catholic, one of seven children, attended Benedictine-run boarding school.
- Basketball was central to her life, faith was routine and “at a distance.”
Discovering Her Calling
- Envisioned a future as a wife and mother; started college at University of South Alabama to pursue a health-related career.
- Acceptance into a competitive radiologic technology program felt like a sign of God’s will, but God was not yet central in her plans.
The Turning Point
- Spiritual awakening during college after a period of personal low; a sense of peace in Eucharistic adoration drew her back to faith.
- Singing at Mass and praise events provided deeper involvement in campus ministry.
- Regular encounters with Scripture, especially “Be not afraid,” pierced her heart and led to deeper conversion.
“It was just like drops of water falling on a rock, smoothing it out. My heart was receiving the grace of God.” — Sr. Stephen (08:20)
Discerning Religious Life
- Exposure to Sisters and monastic life through friends; a “nun run” visiting various communities.
- During adoration in Washington, D.C.:
“The Lord just... said, ‘I want you to be my bride. I’ll do everything for you, but it’s your choice.’ And it was just so freeing.” (12:12-12:23)
- Felt overwhelming conviction upon saying her vocation aloud:
“When I said it out loud, it was just like fire rained down into my heart. I knew, this is what I'm made for." (12:55)
Confirmation & Support
- Began daily Rosary; discovered her mother had consecrated her to Our Lady as a baby:
“When you were still a baby in my womb, I consecrated you to Our Lady...” (17:03)
Academic and Teaching Life
Unexpected Academic Path
- Surprised to be assigned to pursue a Ph.D.:
"My goal had been to get out of school as quickly as possible... But I love the Lord, and He called me to this community." (18:03-18:48)
- Emphasizes loving obedience despite personal preference.
- Balances teaching multiple subjects, establishing school resources, and writing dissertation.
Keeping the Lord’s Day
- Insists on Sunday rest as an act of faith:
“By spending any amount of time on my to-do list on a Sunday, I still am not going to finish... So I give Him that time, and I know He’ll bless the time in other ways.” (22:09-23:22)
- Shares a memorable “unexpected day off” story involving burst pipes as an example of providence.
The Intersection of Faith & Science
Student Reactions
- Students are surprised to see a religious sister as their science teacher.
“I’ve had students stop me after school and say, ‘How can you be teaching chemistry? You’re a Sister.’...as if faith and science can’t possibly go together.” (25:37-26:04)
Integration of Faith & Science
- Teaching as a Sister instantly demonstrates the natural harmony between faith and science.
- Teaching astronomy and biology, she encourages reverence and awe:
“The number of things going right in your body right now is a miracle.” (29:30)
Research & Wonder
- Describes frustrating research on yeast proteins as a lesson in humility and reliance on God:
“If the Lord doesn't build the house, in vain do the builders labor.” (27:43-28:21)
- Science is a search for truth, which ultimately comes from God.
- Astronomy reveals the complexity and interconnectedness of creation:
“You are dust, and to dust you shall return. The elements that make us up were actually created in stars.” (31:10-32:03)
- Students are moved by the cosmic scope and intimate love of God.
- Sr. Miriam recalls a student moved to tears at the vastness of the universe:
“He loves you. You can see him in the cosmos and he’s holding you in existence.” (33:30)
Catholic Scientists and Historical Context
- Highlights notable Catholic scientists: Fr. Georges Lemaître (Big Bang Theory), Jerome Lejeune (Down syndrome), Gregor Mendel (genetics).
Memorable Quotes from Notable Scientists (34:22-36:07)
- Isaac Newton: “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful being.”
- Louis Pasteur: “The more I study nature, the more I am amazed at the work of the Creator. Science brings us nearer to God.”
- Michael Faraday: “The book of nature, which we have to read, is written by the finger of God.”
- John O’Keefe (NASA): “If the universe had not been made with the most exacting precision, we could never have come into existence...the universe was created for man to live in.”
Aliens and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
- Open to discovery but focused on the miracle and purpose of human life:
“With the billions and trillions of stars and planets and galaxies, it wouldn’t surprise me [if there is other life]. But we know we are loved and willed by God.” (36:08-36:52)
Spiritual Reflections & Advice
Seeking and Encountering God
“The Lord so deeply desires to know each and every person...His great love for them is overwhelming.” (37:43-39:07)
- Encourages listeners to seek God’s presence, noting he continually speaks through daily life, nature, and relationships.
“Every day, every moment, there’s opportunities...he’s trying to actually speak to us.” (39:07-39:26)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “I can’t do it alone. But I can trust in my mom, I can trust in my Father.” (17:28)
- “Science is the search for truth. And all truth comes from God.” (31:10)
- “Each breath tells you that you’re loved.” (32:03)
- “If the Lord doesn’t build the house, in vain do the builders labor.” (27:43)
Speed Round! (Favorite Things) (39:40-44:27)
- Favorite Liturgical Season: Holy Week/Triduum
“Time stops in those days — more time for prayer and entering the mysteries.” (40:05)
- Hobby: Making rosaries for others.
- Favorite Game: Spades (card games).
- Spiritual Book Recommendation: Rescued by Fr. John Riccardo.
- Favorite Marian Title: Virgin Most Faithful.
- Preferred Age Group to Teach: All ages, treasures relationships formed at university and with high school students.
- Saint She’d Dine With: Our Lady (“What was it like being a mother to me?”) and St. Patrick (her patron, resonates with his story).
- Activity for Peace: Adoration and being in nature.
Closing
The episode is a joyful, thoughtful exploration on how deep faith and serious science can nourish and magnify one another. Sr. Stephen Patrick’s story is a testament to the transformative power of God’s love and the endless mystery and beauty found both in the natural world and in the pursuit of truth.
“Seek to know His presence in your life. Look, He’s talking to us every day... Ask for those eyes to see His presence and ears to hear His words and heart to receive that love—and to give it back to Him.” — Sr. Stephen (39:07-39:40)
Key Segments:
- Sr. Stephen’s vocation story – 03:05–17:28
- Academic and teaching journey – 18:03–25:07
- Integrating faith and science – 25:37–36:07
- Reflections on creation, awe, and God’s love – 29:09–39:40
- Speed round (personal favorites) – 39:40–44:27
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